Scrap Dealers Face Scarcity as Rising Material Prices Boost Recyclers' Profits

The South China Morning Post reported that the profits for recyclers have seen an increase, despite low material volume, which is attributed to the rise in prices for primary materials resulting from the Iran war and other contributing factors.

Shanghai scrap collector Li Jie indicated that he is encountering an unusual issue: waste is becoming excessively valuable. Li Jie stated that common recyclables, such as plastic and cardboard, are currently difficult to obtain. He further mentioned that the prices for these materials have increased significantly, leading to a large number of collectors, including various companies.

This influx of new participants has made it more challenging to locate materials, including items like copper and aluminum. Nevertheless, Li Jie noted that the business remains profitable even when dealing with small quantities, and he has no intention of leaving the industry.